Preparing for an appointment

You can seek help for compulsive sexual behavior in several ways. To begin, you may:

• Talk to your primary care doctor. Your doctor can do a thorough physical exam to look for any health problems that may be linked to your sexual behavior. Your doctor may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional for a more in-depth exam and treatment. Your doctor may also provide you with information about support groups, websites or other resources.
• Make an appointment with a mental health professional. If you don't have a doctor's recommendation, check with a local medical center or mental health services to find a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional with experience in sexual behavior issues. Or look at credible websites online, or check your phone book. Government websites and local agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs may be able to help you find a mental health professional.
• Look into reputable online or local support groups. These groups may be able to refer you to an appropriate mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment as well as provide other recommendations and support online or in person. Some groups are faith-based, and others are not.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Before your appointment, prepare the following information:

• Notes about your behavior, including when and how often it occurs, what seems to trigger it or make it worse, or what things have been helpful to resist the urges
• Legal, employment or relationship problems caused by your behavior
• Any other mental health issues you have, whether diagnosed or not, such as depression or anxiety, that may also need treatment
• An honest look at your substance use — be ready to discuss this with your doctor
• Key personal information, including any recent or past traumatic events, current stresses and recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements that you're taking, and the dosages
• Questions to ask your doctor or mental health professional to help you make the most of your time together

Some questions to ask may include:

• Why am I doing these things even when it makes me feel bad?
• How can I better manage my persistent, intense sexual urges?
• What type of treatment might help in my case?
• Would a support group or a 12-step program be helpful for me?

What to expect from your doctor

Be ready to answer questions from your doctor, such as:

• When did you first begin noticing harmful sexual behavior or desires?
• Have your behaviors caused legal, relationship or employment problems, or major distress in your daily life?
• Does your behavior feel like it's getting more extreme or out of control?
• What, if anything, seems to lessen your sexual urges?
• What appears to increase your sexual urges?
• Have you ever caused or been the victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse?
• Has your behavior hurt you or others in the past? Are you afraid it may hurt you or others in the future?
• What other mental health conditions do you have?
• Do you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs?